Archive · 7 Sep 2026
Grand Anicut Water Release Begins for Samba Cultivation
Water was released from the Grand Anicut to help farmers grow Samba rice.
The water will flow through four systems in the Cauvery delta.
At first, different amounts of water were sent through each system.
Officials said the amount could be increased later.
The water came from the Mettur dam after being released there on September 1.
The Chief Minister asked farmers to use the water carefully.
He also said the release would help provide drinking water.
Farmers welcomed the release but asked for a continuous supply and government orders to buy their Kuruvai rice.
Water was released from the Grand Anicut on Sunday for Samba cultivation in Cauvery delta districts.
Initially, 1,000 cusecs each went to the Cauvery and Vennar systems, while 500 cusecs each went to the Grand Anicut canal and Kollidam systems.
Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay had released water from Mettur dam on September 1, and it reached the Grand Anicut on Saturday.
The Chief Minister urged farmers to use water judiciously and said the release would also meet drinking-water needs.
Farmers asked the government to avoid a turn system and sought procurement orders for Kuruvai paddy, whose harvest has begun in some areas.
- Who
- Agriculture Minister R. Vinoth, Minorities Welfare Minister A. M. Shahjahan, other officials, and delta farmers were involved.
- What
- Water was released from the Grand Anicut for Samba cultivation and drinking-water needs.
- When
- The release took place on Sunday after water reached the anicut on Saturday; the Mettur release occurred on September 1.
- Where
- The Grand Anicut in Thanjavur and the Cauvery delta districts, including the Cauvery, Vennar, Grand Anicut canal, and Kollidam systems.
- Why
- The water was released to support Samba cultivation and help meet drinking-water needs.
Government and Officials
Farmers
Water management
Government and Officials
The Chief Minister asked farmers to use the released water judiciously, with the discharge expected to be increased later.
Farmers
Farmers asked the government not to introduce a turn system and to provide water continuously.
Crop support
Government and Officials
The release was intended to support Samba cultivation and also meet drinking-water needs.
Farmers
Farmers additionally sought procurement orders for Kuruvai paddy because harvesting had begun in pumpset-irrigated areas.
- Initial Cauvery release
- 1,000 cusecs
- Initial Vennar release
- 1,000 cusecs
- Initial Grand Anicut canal release
- 500 cusecs
- Initial Kollidam release
- 500 cusecs
- Mettur dam release
- September 1
- Farmers' requests
- Continuous water supply without a turn system and procurement orders for Kuruvai paddy
- Officials' guidance
- Farmers were asked to use water judiciously